Jammu & Kashmir

Arrival in Srinagar:
Upon your arrival in Srinagar, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax at your leisure. Enjoy an overnight stay at your Srinagar hotel.

Full-Day Excursion to Sonamarg:
After breakfast, prepare for a scenic drive to Sonamarg, known for its breathtaking beauty. Please note that Sonamarg is closed from November to March and is located 98 km from Srinagar, taking about 3 hours to reach. This picturesque destination marks the end of the Kashmir district and the beginning of Ladakh, sitting at an elevation of 2,743 meters above sea level. True to its name, meaning “Meadow of Gold,” Sonamarg greets you with stunning snow-capped mountains and lush alpine trees, home to the region’s most beautiful flowers.

Your vehicle will take you to the main parking area. From there, you can visit Thajwas Glacier, located 3 km from town, accessible by foot or pony ride (additional cost payable directly). The glacier retains snow year-round and offers one of the most adventurous treks in Sonamarg, winding through verdant landscapes and a frozen lake. You can also trek up Shakhdar Hill for magnificent views of the glacier and its surroundings.

In the area, enjoy a sledge ride even in summer, with sledges available for hire from local Gujars. The surroundings are ideal for camping, and the trek to the glacier is truly unforgettable. Keep in mind that the hike can be challenging, but you’ll encounter stunning waterfalls and streams along the way. Walking on the glacier is a unique experience, though it may be slippery due to the snow.

You can also catch breathtaking views of the high mountain pass Zojila, which stands at an altitude of 3,528 meters. Just outside Sonamarg, there’s a sparkling blue lake surrounded by lush meadows, and you might consider a long rafting expedition (additional cost).

In the evening, return to Srinagar for your overnight stay.

Notes:

• Entry fees for monuments and all activities are to be paid directly by customers.
• Sonamarg is closed from November to March.
• The vehicle will drop you at the hotel or parking area; pony rides to the glacier or union cabs to Zero Point are at your own expense.

Transfer from Srinagar to Pahalgam + Pahalgam Sightseeing:

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and embark on your journey to Pahalgam. The route takes you through Pampore, Avantipura, and the village of Bijbehara, renowned as Kashmir’s breadbasket. You’ll leave National Highway 1A at Khanabal, driving through Anantnag, the second-largest city in the region. As you approach Pahalgam, enjoy the scenic views along the Lidder River.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

In Pahalgam, you have the option to explore Chandanwari (3,288 meters above sea level), Aru Valley, and Betaab Valley at your own expense via union cabs.

Chandanwari, located 16 km from Pahalgam, is famous for snow sledging on its snow bridge. You can hire taxi cabs for a round trip, which takes about four to five hours along a semi-paved road that runs beside the Lidder River and majestic snow-capped mountains. Visitors often engage in playful snow fights before sledging back down. Chandanwari offers stunning natural beauty and is accessible by road. As the weather can be unpredictable, be sure to bring warm clothing and rain gear.

Aru Valley, a picturesque village in the Trans-Himalaya region, boasts clear skies, misty surroundings, and tranquil pine forests. Despite being the smallest hill station in the state, its breathtaking views and activities such as trekking, hiking, and horse riding make it a popular destination. In winter, Aru Valley also attracts skiing enthusiasts and is located about 12 km from Pahalgam.

Betaab Valley, formerly known as Hagan Valley, gained fame after the 1983 Bollywood film “Betaab” was filmed there. With its lush landscapes and the soothing sounds of chirping birds, the valley is a must-visit gem of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. Located a short walk from Pahalgam’s center, it also serves as an excellent camping site for trekkers and adventurers.

Later, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Notes:

• Entry fees for monuments and all activity charges are to be paid directly by the customer.
• Union cabs for sightseeing in Pahalgam are at your own cost unless you book additional excursions with us.
• The union vehicle will stop for one hour at each of the three stops. For longer stays, additional fees will apply.

Transfer from Pahalgam to Gulmarg + Gulmarg Sightseeing (Optional at Additional Cost):

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and head towards Gulmarg. Along the way, enjoy views of the charming Tangmarg town before continuing on a scenic 14-kilometer drive to Gulmarg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and set off for sightseeing, which includes visits to Maharani Temple, St. Mary’s Church, and the optional Gondola ride (at an extra cost).

Maharani Temple, built in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir, features shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This location was also the filming site for the movie “Aap Ki Kasam,” starring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz. Pony rides to the temple are available for an additional fee.

St. Mary’s Church, constructed during British rule, is over 110 years old. Renovated in 2003, it offers a picturesque façade and was reopened for its first Christmas mass in 14 years. Made of grey stone, the church stands out during winter when surrounded by snow, and its green tiled roof and wooden interiors give it a charming countryside chapel feel.

The two-stage Gondola lift transports visitors to Kongdoori Mountain, part of the nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The first stage takes you from Gulmarg resort (2,600 m / 8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage features 36 cabins and 18 towers, bringing skiers to an elevation of 3,747 m (12,293 ft) on Kongdoori Mountain. Gondola hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM, but operations depend on weather conditions at both stages.

After your adventures, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Gulmarg.

Notes:

• Entry fees for monuments and all activities are to be paid directly by the customer.
• Gondola ride operations are highly weather-dependent.
• Gulmarg Gondola tickets cannot be pre-purchased anymore; they must be bought directly from Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (jammukashmircablecar.com).
• In Gulmarg, the vehicle will drop guests at the hotel, and all sightseeing afterward will be done on foot or via horse ride or ATV, at your own expense. Pickup for the return trip will occur from the hotel.
• The Gondola is located 1 to 1.5 km from the parking area.
• In winter (November to March), a chained vehicle is required from Tanmarg, which can be pre-booked. This vehicle will also drop you at the hotel in Gulmarg, with all sightseeing conducted at local rates.

Transfer from Gulmarg to Srinagar Houseboat + Srinagar Sightseeing:
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and prepare to head to Srinagar. Upon arrival, visit the renowned Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and Hazratbal Shrine. These beautiful gardens are situated along the banks of Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as a stunning backdrop, approximately 12 to 15 km from Srinagar. Along the way, stop at a carpet-weaving factory and explore old Srinagar city.

Nishat Bagh is one of the most picturesque terraced Mughal gardens, located by the famous Dal Lake. Known as the “Garden of Gladness,” Nishat Bagh is the second-largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley and offers breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal mountain range.

Shalimar Bagh is the largest Mughal garden in India, located northeast of Dal Lake near Srinagar. It is especially beautiful in the autumn and spring seasons, with the lake providing a picturesque backdrop.

Chashme Shahi is another lovely Mughal garden built around a spring in the Zabarwan Range. Featuring a freshwater spring, terraces, a water pool, and a large fountain, it is one of the most charming gardens near Dal Lake.

Covering approximately 12 hectares, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia’s largest tulip garden (open only in April). Nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, it overlooks Dal Lake and features 70 varieties of tulips, making it a popular attraction. The garden also includes beautifully cultivated rose beds.

The Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient site dating back to the 4th century, is located on Gopadari Hill southeast of Srinagar, rising 1,100 feet above the city. Originally named “Gopadari” after King Gopadatya, the temple is believed to have been a place where the great philosopher Shankaracharya visited. Its main shrine, a circular chamber, offers breathtaking views of the valley. The temple has undergone several renovations, including repairs by Maharaja Gulab Singh.

Hazratbal Shrine, located on the left bank of Dal Lake, is highly revered among Muslims. Its name derives from the Kashmiri words “Hazrat,” meaning holy, and “bal,” meaning place.

After your sightseeing, arrive at your houseboat and check in. You can enjoy a 1-hour Shikara ride on the lake (available at an additional cost), which takes you past vibrant vegetable gardens and showcases local aquatic life. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay on the houseboat.

Notes:

• Entry fees for monuments and all activities are to be paid directly by the customer.
• The Tulip Garden will be closed to the public as of April 21, 2023.
• The Shikara ride will take place on the same lake where the houseboat is located.

Transfer Departure from Srinagar Houseboat:
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Srinagar Airport to board your scheduled flight for your onward journey.